Genitive case
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
Genitive: des (m, n) + -s, der (f, pl). Shows possession.
How it works
The genitive shows possession or a close relationship between two nouns. In writing it is common: Das Auto des Mannes (the man's car). The masculine and neuter genitive articles are des, with -s or -es added to the noun, while feminine and plural use der. In speech, Germans often prefer von with the dative instead, as in das Auto von dem Mann.
When to use it
Show possession or relationship with the genitive, which is more common in writing than in speech.
Use cases
- Describing possession in formal writing: Die Meinung des Experten
- Describing a title or institution: Die Universität der Stadt
- Writing a formal title: Der Name des Hauses
Examples
- das Auto des Mannes – the man's car
- Das ist das Haus meiner Großeltern. – That is my grandparents' house.
- Die Ergebnisse des Tests sind gut. – The results of the test are good.
- Wegen des Regens bleiben wir zu Hause. – Because of the rain we are staying at home.
Common mistake
Adding -s to feminine or plural nouns. Only masculine and neuter nouns take genitive -s; feminine and plural nouns change only the article (der Frau).
Memory tip
Des (m, n) + -s, der (f, pl). Possessive: des Mannes Hut or der Hut des Mannes.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.